The 10 Best Basketball Shoes for Streetball

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

1.

bbbb

Nowadays, most basketball shoes are made so light and thin that they’d never last on an outdoor court. There are a few models released throughout the year that happen to be outdoor specific but even then, they can be hard to find unless you know the exact model's name. If you’ve been having difficulties choosing the right pair to take with you to the blacktop without shelling out a ton of cash for a NIKEiD then check out The 10 Best Basketball Shoes for Street Ball.

Nightwing2303 is the owner / publisher of 

RELATED: What the 25 Best Players in the NBA Wear and Why
RELATED: The 10 Best Retro Basketball Shoes to Play In Right Now
RELATED: The Best Basketball Shoes for Point Guards

2.

fila-96-og-white-pack copy

No. 10 - FILA ’96 & The Cage

Besides Retro appeal, sneakers designed in the 90’s are still viable on-court options. The best part about a Retro model is that they were designed at a time when lightweight was never something that you thought about and some were built like tanks. The Cage was FILA’s outdoor model at the time but the FILA ’96 has a thick enough outsole to last you a while as well. Either way, you gotta love the 90’s.

3.

Nike-Air-Max-H.A.M.-Low-Available-Now-1-300x300 copy

No. 9 - Nike Air Max H.A.M Low

One of the few outdoor specific releases in 2013, the Nike Air Max H.A.M Low was built for the blacktop. An XDR outsole along with Fuse uppers and heel Max Air units will make a comfortable and durable ride. In the event that you do not enjoy wearing low tops, continue onto the next pick…

4.

reebokkamikazeII

No. 8 - Reebok Kamikaze II

When all else fails, go Retro. Retro models are made with thick, durable rubber outsole so even if you grab a pair with a more traditional pattern you will usually be good to go. The Reebok Kamikaze is a great hoop shoe and they are well built. You’ll receive the comfort and security that you’ll need when playing on outdoor terrain while keeping it classic.

5.

The adidas Top Ten 2000

No. 7 - adidas Top Ten 2000

The adidas Top Ten 2000 has some of the deepest traction grooves on any sneaker featured throughout the list so if you wanted to buy a pair that won’t burn out in a few months then consider these as your next option.

6.

Nike-Zoom-Hyperfranchise-XD-Mens-Basketball-Shoe-579835_300_A_png&wid=1430&hei=1022&fmt=jpg copy

No. 6 - Nike Zoom Hyperfranchise XD

The Nike Zoom Hyperfranchise XD is a beefed up Hyperfuse. Thicker and more durable Fuse is applied along the upper as well as an XDR outsole with an outdoor specific traction pattern. These will make a great option for outdoor hoop action but so will a basic Hyperfuse. Don’t let the XD label fool you, if it’s a Hyperfuse… it was made for outdoor hooping.

7.

jordan-b-mo-gym-red-black-white-3 copy

No. 5 - Jordan B’Mo

Even Jordan Brand is getting into the outdoor hoop action with the recently released Jordan B’ Mo. Another hoop shoe with an outdoor specific pattern and XDR outsoles, the Jordan B’Mo won’t make you B’Mo aggressive on the court but you’ll look fresh and stay comfortable. Mesh side panels are in place for lightweight breathability while the midsole house a full length Air unit for cushion. At $105, you can’t go wrong.

8.

Ektiobreakaway

No. 4 - Ektio Breakaway

Playing outdoors can bring along some unforeseen circumstances. Ankle injuries are more likely to occur as court conditions are consistently inconsistent and you could wind up playing with someone who doesn’t know that you shouldn’t stick your foot underneath a player when they are in the air. Protect yourself from others with the Ektio Breakaway, one of the best shoes when it comes to lockdown and support. The wide base will also increase your stability and having full length herringbone doesn't hurt either.

K1X Anti-Gravity

No. 3 - K1X Anti-Gravity

This brand was built on street ball and their latest model is built specifically for the blacktop. Dual density foam cushion and an outdoor specific traction pattern are just the beginning of making the perfect outdoor hoop shoe. Synthetic overlays are in place in multiple layers ensuring your shoes won’t fall apart anytime soon. The K1X brand has been a hit overseas – where outdoor hooping is a regular thing – so it may be time to step outside the box a little and try out an off brand.

9.

Nike Lunar Hyperdunk 2012

No. 2 - Nike Lunar Hyperdunk 2012

The Hyperdunk 2012 may be last year’s go-to model but they’re available at outlets all over the country which makes them the perfect candidate for some outdoor hooping adventures. Multidirectional traction comprised of heavy duty solid rubber should last a while and the Fuse upper will allow for airflow while remaining durable. Outlet finds are typically the best option when it comes to outdoor hooping as you won’t have to spend a lot to get a good pair of kicks.

10.

March - Kobe 8 System Year of the Snake

No. 1 - Nike Kobe 8 GC

The Nike Kobe 8 is a great on-court model but take them to an outdoor court and you might burn through them in a matter of hours. Thankfully there are GC versions available which come equipped with XDR outsoles and fine-tuned herringbone for outdoor courts. These may not last you as long as some of the other options featured on the list but these are probably the best all-around performer so that could make up for it. Now, the only problem is tracking down a pair since they are only sold overseas.

RELATEDWhat the 25 Best Players in the NBA Wear and Why
RELATEDThe 10 Best Retro Basketball Shoes to Play In Right Now
RELATED: The Best Basketball Shoes for Point Guards